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Parrish, Florida, is a small community in Manatee County, about 15 miles northeast of Bradenton. It is mainly a residential area, with shops and restaurants, with one main tourist attraction -- the Florida Railroad Museum. It is within a short drive of several other things to do, ranging from championship public golf courses to nearby state parks.

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum

Parrish's main attraction is the Florida Railroad Museum (frrm.org). The museum opened to celebrate the area's rich railroading history, which dates back to the 1860s when the railroads first came to Florida. It features weekend train excursions and special themed-train rides throughout the year. The caboose can be rented for private parties. Additionally, guests can rent a locomotive to receive hands-on training in locomotive operation.

Nearby Golfing

Golfers can choose from several nearby courses, including the Buffalo Creek Golf Course (buffalocreekgcpublic.com). It is an 18-hole, links-style public golf course, four miles away in nearby Palmetto. Additional amenities include a practice area, equipment rentals, an on-site pro shop and a snack bar. Another nearby option is the Manatee County Golf Course (manateegcpublic.com). It is 19 miles away from Parrish, in West Bradenton. The course is an 18-hole championship course that features groomed fairways, challenging bunkers and strategically placed water hazards to challenge golfers of all abilities.

Manatee County Attractions

Manatee County, as a whole, offers additional attractions including the annual Manatee County Fair (manateecountyfair.com). The fairgrounds are in nearby Palmetto, a 22-minute drive from Parrish. It has been held annually since 1916 and features live entertainment, various exhibits, rides and refreshments. Another county staple is its ArtCenter (artcentermanatee.com). It is 13 miles southwest of Parrish, in Bradenton. The ArtCenter features an artists' market with gifts and local artwork, classes for all age groups and exhibits displaying a variety of pottery, photography and paintings completed by local and national artists.

Nearby State Parks

Several state parks are near Parrish, including the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park (floridastateparks.org). It is a 15-minute drive, 8 1/2 miles away, in nearby Ellenton. The park features a historic mansion that was donated to the state in 1925. Visitors to the park can tour the home -- the only plantation house still standing in South Florida -- six times daily. Additional park features include picnic areas, restrooms and a visitor center. Another nearby park is Lake Manatee State Park (floridastateparks.org). It is a 30-minute drive, 15 miles southeast of Parrish, in nearby Bradenton. The park is sprawled along three miles of shoreline on Lake Manatee and features activities such as swimming, wildlife observation, kayaking, hiking, boating and camping. The park also has a picnic area and restrooms with showers.

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About the Author

Caryn Anderson combines extensive behind-the-scenes writing experience with her passion for all things food, fashion, garden and travel. Bitten by the travel bug at the age of 15 after a trip to Europe, Anderson fostered her love of style and fashion while living in New York City and earning her degree at New York University.

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